Rhino horns worth an estimated R23m were seized at OR Tambo International Airport.
The find was made on Wednesday by SA Revenue Services Custom Officials after sniffer dog, Lizzy, reacted positively to a consignment of goods marked as decoration items.
SARS spokesperson, Sicelo Mkosi, said that 36 pieces of rhino horn were found in bubble-wrap in eight boxes.
"The horns, destined for Dubai, were hidden underneath cut laminated wooden sheets in four of the boxes which were otherwise filled with doormats and decorative items," he said.
"The inspection at the warehouse formed part of an initiative to increase enforcement activities on cargo for outbound flights, following recent reports that rhino horn, originating from South Africa, has been detected in the Far East," Mkoki said.
Police and the Hawks are now investigating.
